Aaron Pico has entered the lightweight rankings at number 13, while Patricio Pitbull dropped to 15th. In the heavyweight division, Josh Hockit climbed to 5th place, with Curtis Blaydes falling to 6th. Paulo Costa has entered the light heavyweight top rankings at number 6, while Azamat Murzakanov dropped to 7th. The rankings reflect recent performances across multiple weight classes. Details on which specific rankings system these updates apply to were not specified in the announcement.
The latest rankings update, issued April 14, has reshuffled several divisions, with Aaron Pico breaking into the lightweight top 15 and Paulo Costa making his presence felt at light heavyweight.
Pico, the 29-year-old American out of Jackson-Wink MMA, enters the lightweight top 15 at number 13. Carrying a 14-5 record, the five-foot-eight orthodox fighter has built a reputation as one of the more well-rounded threats in the division. His 8.96 takedowns per 15 minutes stands out as a particularly imposing number, giving opponents a serious grappling problem to solve on top of his 3.88 significant strikes landed per minute.
The shift at the top of the lightweight rankings also sees Patricio "Pitbull" Pitbull slide from his previous position down to 15th. The 38-year-old Brazilian, fighting out of Pitbull Brothers, holds a decorated 37-9 record and competes primarily at featherweight, where he is currently ranked eighth. His lateral movement within these updated rankings reflects the competitive pressure building beneath him.
Paulo Costa, known as "The Eraser," enters the light heavyweight top rankings at number six. The 35-year-old Brazilian from Team Borracha brings a 16-4 record and a striking output of 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy — numbers that made him a feared presence at middleweight, where he is currently ranked 13th. His move into the light heavyweight picture adds a compelling new dimension to that division.
Why it matters
- Pico's entry at lightweight 13 puts him within striking distance of the top ten after consistent performances
- Costa now holds rankings in two divisions simultaneously, raising the stakes of his next appearance
- Pitbull's slide to 15th signals increasing pressure on the veteran from a younger generation of contenders
- The heavyweight reshuffle, with Josh Hockit climbing to fifth and Curtis Blaydes falling to sixth, further tightens an already competitive upper tier
